The Mace
History of Ceremonial Mace's
The mace is a symbol of the authority of the Mayor and is carried by the Macebearer in front of the Mayor on all ceremonial occasions
The mace was once a weapon of war and the ceremonial mace of today is a highly ornamental version of early man's club or bludgeon.
In the course of time, the hitting end of the mace fell out of use and the handle end increased in importance. At the same time, the mace became decorated with, or in some cases made entirely of precious metal. Eventually, the mace become no longer a weapon of war but solely a symbol of authority. By the end of the Tudor period, the ceremonial mace was firmly established.
The mace was once a weapon of war and the ceremonial mace of today is a highly ornamental version of early man's club or bludgeon.
In the course of time, the hitting end of the mace fell out of use and the handle end increased in importance. At the same time, the mace became decorated with, or in some cases made entirely of precious metal. Eventually, the mace become no longer a weapon of war but solely a symbol of authority. By the end of the Tudor period, the ceremonial mace was firmly established.
The Calne Mace
The Calne Mace was manufactured by J H Potter of Sheffield and, according to the inscription on the head of the Mace, was presented to the town by J F Bodinnar on the occasion of his third successive election as Mayor on 9th November 1927.
The Mace is highly ornate. The head contains the arms of the old Calne Borough Council surrounded by the text "Mayor & Council of the Borough of Calne Wilts 1836". The head is embellished with oak leaves and tudor roses. The very top of the Mace is an ornate crown with depicted jewels, fleur de lys, and adorned with an orb (which is a globe surmounted by a cross as part of coronation regalia). The base of the Mace is adorned with floral decoration and the name of the town.
The Mace is highly ornate. The head contains the arms of the old Calne Borough Council surrounded by the text "Mayor & Council of the Borough of Calne Wilts 1836". The head is embellished with oak leaves and tudor roses. The very top of the Mace is an ornate crown with depicted jewels, fleur de lys, and adorned with an orb (which is a globe surmounted by a cross as part of coronation regalia). The base of the Mace is adorned with floral decoration and the name of the town.
